Spaghetti Sauce

Notes: Use sauce with any cooked pasta (allow about 1 cup sauce for each 1 1/2 cups pasta). Or layer sauce into lasagna. For variety, simmer individual batches of the sauce briefly with Italian sausages, crumbled and browned ground meats, roasted vegetables, or additional herbs, such as basil or oregano.

Notes: Use sauce with any cooked pasta (allow about 1 cup sauce for each 1 1/2 cups pasta). Or layer sauce into lasagna. For variety, simmer individual batches of the sauce briefly with Italian sausages, crumbled and browned ground meats, roasted vegetables, or additional herbs, such as basil or oregano.

Meanwhile, combine garlic, onions, and oil in an 8- to 10-quart pan over medium-high heat. Stir often until onions are lightly browned and taste sweet, about 10 minutes.

Step 3

To pan, add mushrooms and most of the soaking liquid, discarding the gritty remainder. Also add tomatoes, parsley, wine, thyme, sugar, and chili flakes. Bring to a boil and simmer rapidly until reduced to 3 quarts, about 1 1/4 hours; stir often. Add salt to taste.

Step 4

Use hot, or let sauce cool, then cover and chill up to 5 days. To store longer, freeze in easy-to-use portions.